Bladen, Brunswick, and New Hanover counties hosted a series of events this past week in recognition of Overdose Awareness Day, declared on August 31 by Governor Roy Cooper. The events aimed to raise awareness, honor those lost to overdose, and highlight the need for support and recovery services in the community.

Held in partnership with Coastal Horizons at Hope Recovery Church, the New Hanover County event featured 36 treatment providers, including churches, nonprofits, and local law enforcement. Jason Black, program director at Coastal Horizons, emphasized the importance of awareness, noting that connecting people to treatment saves lives. “From homeless camps to beach houses, overdose affects everyone, and awareness is key to preventing more deaths,” Black said.